Uterine Artery Ligation Devices

Abstract

A device useful for ligating an anatomical structure, e.g., a uterine artery, includes a crochet hook-like shaft, and tubular filament holder, and a housing that includes a thumb-slide attached to the shaft. After inserting the filament holder into tissue adjacent to the artery, the shaft is inserted to a point next to the holder, and a hook on the end of the shaft is used to snare the filament and pull it around the artery. The filament can then be tied down, ligating the artery.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device useful for ligating an anatomical structure, the device comprising:
 an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft distal end comprising a distal-facing hook;   an elongate tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and side port adjacent to said distal end, and a lumen extending proximally from said side port;   a housing;   wherein the tube is fixed in said housing and extends distally from the housing;   wherein the shaft is partially positioned in said housing, and is longitudinally movable relative to the housing between a proximal position, in which said hook is adjacent to said housing, and a distal position, in which said hook is adjacent to said tube side port; and   a thumb-slide attached to the shaft and longitudinally movably mounted to the housing.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a filament extending through the lumen of the tube, the filament including a distal and that is temporarily held outside of the tube side port.   
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the filament distal end comprises a loop. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises a bent portion proximal of said side port and distal of said housing. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises:
 a lumen and a proximal cavity;   wherein the shaft proximal end is positioned in said housing lumen, and said housing cavity is in direct communication with said housing lumen, such that, when a filament extends proximally from said shaft lumen, the filament can extend directly through said housing lumen and said housing cavity and out a proximal end of the housing.   
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tensioning device in said housing, configured and arranged to place a filament in tension when the filament extends proximally from said shaft side port and into said housing.   
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a post mounted in said shaft side port, the post being configured and arranged to temporarily hold a filament.